Attempted murder suspect arrested

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A Grass Valley man was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after he allegedly broke into a residence and attacked the couple who live there with a hammer.

Eric Craig Hodges, 36, went to the residence on Maiden Lane at about 1 p.m. Friday and forced entry through an unlocked door, said Grass Valley Police Capt. Rex Marks.

The attack is believed to have been premeditated, Marks said.

“He was intent on assaulting both (victims),” Marks said. “He said he was going to kill both of them.”

Hodges’ motive remains under investigation, but Marks indicated it might be related to a potential abusive situation dating back to his childhood. It was not clear what the connection was between the alleged past incident and the victims, who are related to Hodges through marriage, Marks said.

At some point, Hodges did stop the attack and left the scene in a vehicle at a high rate of speed, Marks said. He was later arrested at Richardson and Main streets in Grass Valley after allegedly acting “aggressively” toward the officers who made the traffic stop.

The 48-year-old male victim sustained lacerations to the head, was treated and was released. His 41-year-old wife had a fractured jaw and lacerations to the face and head and remains in the hospital, Marks said.

Marks added that witnesses are being sought and can call the police department at (530) 477-4600.

Hodges was booked into county jail on suspicion of attempted murder, second-degree burglary and making criminal threats and is being held without bail. Hodges has a prior history of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, according to The Union archives.

He was arrested in March 2006 after a woman he had been seeing reported he had held her at his home against her will. Hodges allegedly refused to let her go, hit her on her head and held a crossbow to her throat. The woman allegedly escaped after Hodges fell asleep.